Layered Signal Multiplexing for Multi-Power Broadcast Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multiplexing technologies like TDM and FDM lack the flexibility and performance required for next-generation broadcasting systems, particularly in efficiently multiplexing and demultiplexing signals across multiple layers at different power levels.

Innovation Solution

A signal multiplexing apparatus and method that combines core and enhanced layer signals at different power levels, using Bit-Interleaved Coded Modulation (BICM) units and a time interleaver, with an injection level controller to adjust power levels and a power normalizer to maintain signal integrity, allowing for efficient multiplexing and demultiplexing of signals across multiple layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If TDM or FDM is used for signal multiplexing, then signal transmission is achieved, but flexibility and performance for next-generation broadcasting systems are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidperformance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal into multiple layers (core layer and enhanced layer) with different power levels, allowing independent processing and transmission of each layer. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation to different service requirements while maintaining reliable transmission through hierarchical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension for signal multiplexing by combining Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) with power level differentiation. Instead of only time or frequency division, signals are multiplexed across multiple dimensions including time slots and power levels, providing greater flexibility and performance for next-generation broadcasting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If signals are multiplexed using traditional TDM or FDM, then signal transmission is achieved, but efficiency in multiplexing/demultiplexing signals across multiple layers at different power levels is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiplexing efficiencyVSAvoidmultiplexing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing error correction encoding and bit interleaving on each layer signal before multiplexing. This pre-processing ensures that signals are properly prepared for transmission, improving demultiplexing efficiency while maintaining a manageable structure through standardized processing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal multiplexing framework that can handle multiple layers with different power levels using the same processing principles. The combiner and demultiplexer use consistent operations across all layers, improving efficiency while avoiding excessive complexity through standardized multi-functional processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If core layer signal and enhanced layer signal are combined at different power levels, then signal flexibility is improved, but power-related distortions may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal flexibilityVSAvoidpower-related distortions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the power level parameter for different signal layers, combining core layer and enhanced layer signals at different power levels to achieve flexible signal transmission. This parameter differentiation allows adaptive transmission while the power normalizer manages the resulting power variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a power normalizer as an intermediary component between the combiner and the output. This intermediary device compensates for power-related distortions by normalizing the combined signal power, allowing flexible multi-layer transmission while eliminating harmful power imbalances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If power normalizer is used to reduce power of multiplexed signal, then signal integrity is maintained, but additional device complexity is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power normalizer operates on a self-service principle by automatically detecting and correcting power imbalances in the multiplexed signal without requiring complex external control systems. This simple feedback mechanism maintains signal integrity while adding minimal device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10122567B2Signal multiplexing device and signal multiplexing method using layered division multiplexing

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST

AI summary

An apparatus and method for multiplexing signals using layered division multiplexing are disclosed. A signal multiplexing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a combiner configured to combine a core layer signal and an enhanced layer signal at different power levels, and a time interleaver configured to perform interleaving applied to both the core layer signal and the enhanced layer signal.